The HCC Diploma in Arboriculture

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by arboriculture experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Diploma. You have 2 years to complete the course.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Lesson 1 – Tree Knowledge. Identification, a tree collection, tree age, street trees.

Lesson 2 – Nursery Practices. Tree and shrub tendering, nursery stock-pricing.

Lesson 3 – Tree establishment. Woodland design, urban soils, nutrition of trees and shrubs.

Lesson 4 – The Tree’s Environment. Ecology. Vegetation analysis, trees and pollution.

Lesson 5 – Design and Management of Woodlands. Contracts in arboriculture.

Lesson 6 – Plant Health. Plant pathology including a directory of pests and diseases.

Lesson 7 – Biology of Woody Plants. Plant science in arboriculture.

Lesson 8 – Legislation and Arboriculture. Health and Safety. Hazard identification.

Lesson 9 – Maintenance of Woody Plants. Arboriculture specifications.

Lesson 10 – Miscellaneous. Autumn colour in sequence. Arboriculture associations.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

There are no exams. On successful completion of this course you will receive an HCC Diploma*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* The HCC Diploma will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

• Depending on your practical experience and practical task assessments you could work in the public and/or private sector:
• As a tree surgeon/arboriculturist cultivating and managing trees or shrubs
• As a forestry/woodland manager
• In woodland recreation management
• In woodland conservation
• As an arboricultural officer within a local authority managing tree stock and tree maintenance staff
• If you already work in arboriculture or forestry, this course could prove useful in improving your knowledge so you can progress to supervisory or management roles.
• You could progress to the following HCC courses:

  Market Gardening
  Crop Tech
  Mixed Farming
  Organic Arable Farming
  Organic Livestock Farming
  Tropical Agriculture
  Sheep Farming

You do not need previous arboriculture knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

There are 2 ways you can enrol

• Pay the total course fee of £345 in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
• or
• Pay a deposit of just £95, followed by 5 instalments of £50